Mary Jones, who died on Monday, was delighted last week when the postman brought her a badge and certificate signed by Gordon Brown in recognition of her efforts in the Women's Land Army.

Ninety two-year-old Mary, of Bare, and thousands of other women across the UK helped "dig for victory" during World War 2 with their tireless and vital work on the land back home.

Two other local women were also honoured by the PM. Betty Farrell, 83, from Bare, was "really chuffed" to receive her medal according to her son, – local estate agent Gerry Farrell.

"We saw an article in the paper a few months ago asking for people who worked in the Land Army, so we sent them some information via the internet," said Gerry.

"My mum drove tractors during the war and helped out wherever she could – basically did anything on the land that needed doing."
Clarice Violet Bradshaw from Warton, who will soon be 93, also received a medal and certificate.

She said: "It has made me realise that the Government does recognise our contribution to the war effort. Being in the Women's Land Army was a good experience and I met all sorts of girls. We used to go to different farms and do potato-picking and planting, hay-making, rolling and reseeding.

"I was in one field for six weeks and it started off looking rough but by the time I had finished it was a lovely 16-acre field.

"It was amazing how after a month working the land girls were blooming and looked much healthier. We were well-fed and used to have dinner with the farmers.

"On the whole it was an excellent experience and was important because it kept the food production going whilst the men were at war.

"We were digging for victory!"